R360 Competition Players Hit With Decade-Long Suspension from Australia's Rugby League

Australian rugby league's administration has declared that players who join the “breakaway” R360 will be banned for a decade.

R360, which plans to launch in October 2026, is hoping to draw players from union and league with lucrative deals and a condensed playing schedule.

Leading National Rugby League players have reportedly been approached by the new league, which will feature six or eight men's teams and women's teams based in key urban centers around the world.

Representing Samoa the player, who represents New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, has said he has had negotiations involving the new organization.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Jye Gray are also reported to be considering joining the rebel league.

Several leading union countries, such as Australia, last week imposed a restriction on players joining R360 appearing in global fixtures.

“We have consulted our clubs and we've acted decisively,” commented the league's chief the official.

“Sadly, there will always be entities that attempt to hijack our code for monetary profit.

“They fail to contribute in pathways or the growth of talent. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, endangering athletes of monetary damage while profiting themselves.

“In truth, they represent, imitating the sport.”

The league is launched by ex-England star Mike Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the potential rugby union bans were announced last week, it commented: “We want to work together as a component of the worldwide fixture list.

“The competition is arranged with bespoke schedules for men's and women's teams and the organization will permit participants for global fixtures, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will apply for endorsement for its plans from rugby union's governing body, the sport's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.